Detox/Retox Mini-Retreat

Total mileage = 2 miles. Easy/moderate

The hike begins with a forested, 1 mile steady (but not steep) incline with some switchbacks and a couple of sections that have stairs built into the earth. Once you’re at the summit, you’ll pause to settle in then enjoy a 45-60min yoga flow suitable for all levels. Finally, you’ll hike 1 mile along a steady (but not steep) downhill on a forest road that will complete the loop back to your car.

If you’re concerned about pacing or are a beginner hiker, no need to worry! We’re not in a rush or race and always encourage you to hike at your own pace. The guide will pause regularly along the way to share stories of the area and fun facts about nature. We keep our groups small so your guide can better personalize the experience and manage pacing according to the group.

Nope! The yoga session is appropriate for all levels and is a great introduction to the practice and a sweet opportunity to stretch & move even if you haven’t tried it yet. All of our instructors are accustomed to teaching to varied levels of experience and will be happy to offer modifications and prompts throughout the class.

For your hike, wear any light, flexible, weather appropriate clothing that you’re comfortable moving your body in. I recommend synthetic, quick drying fabrics. Avoid cotton at all costs! Closed toe shoes and a rainproof layer are critical.

Because the weather here can vary dramatically, dressing in layers will be your key to comfort. Remember that temperatures in the mountains can be 10-20 degrees cooler than in town so a warm, dry upper layer is always recommended even if it looks like a hot day. If you’re hiking in Spring, Fall or Winter, I also recommend bringing gloves and a winter hat just in case. Your rain jacket can double as a wind breaker. Ponchos are ok too!

Sun protection like sunscreen, hat, or long sleeves is critical year round as your yoga practice takes place on the sunny summit.

For your Sauna & Cold Plunge, change into a bathing suit & consider beginning a coverup or robe for lounging around between dips. 

I recommend bringing a small day bag for your personal items. Make sure to bring rain protection (rain jacket or poncho) no matter what the forecast says, a full water bottle, sun protection, and any critical medications.

Your instructor will provide a yoga mat and carrying strap for your comfort.

Weather is part of the practice! We will hike rain or shine so please check the weather, dress accordingly, and always bring rain protection. Sometimes, weather may prevent us from holding a yoga practice while on the trail. In those cases, the following will apply:

• PRIVATE HIKES: With at least 48hrs notice, you may elect to switch to a private class at your rental (depending on location) or a local studio (additional $50 rental fee, pending availability). An Asheville Wellness Tours trip planner would be happy to discuss these and other options with you prior to your arrival. No refunds or store credits will be issued for no-shows. 

If Asheville Wellness Tours cancels for any reason, we will refund your purchase in full or reschedule you if you prefer.

One important note about this adventure that I cannot stress enough: I encourage you to not allow a sketchy forecast dampen your spirits. The weather here is incredibly difficult to predict and we often enjoy sunny skies when rain is in the forecast or run into a heavy downpour when we expected bright sunshine. Our instructors are wonderful at adapting the practice to the weather and it’s all part of the adventure out here! It’s all part of the practice (and the fun) if you allow it to be!

The trail is approximately 40 minutes SE from downtown Asheville.

You will receive detailed driving instructions in your confirmation email. You are responsible for getting yourself to/from the trailhead. It is important to note that, while an Uber/Lyft may bring you to the trail, they will NOT pick you up from the trail head. If you do not have transportation, we recommend reaching out to AVL Ride several days in advance of your arrival. The team there is familiar with the trailhead and will pre-arrange round trip transportation for some of the most reasonable rates in town.

After receiving your confirmation email, please take a look at your route and estimated travel time a day or two prior to your yoga hike so you know how to prepare. I also recommend snapping a screenshot of the directions before leaving town in case you lose cell service along the way. Driving in the mountains is different than cruising down the highway so assume the drive will take at least 10mins more than what Google Maps estimates just in case.

NOTE: the hike begins NO LATER than 10mins after start time. Parties who are 10+ mins late may be left behind and no refunds will be issued.

You’ll receive directions to Drip Sauna’s location near downtown Asheville after booking. 

We can accommodate group sizes up to 30 with advance notice. Each sauna fits up to 6 guests at one time.

This is a great option for groups celebrating special occasions like birthdays, bachelorette parties, girls getaways, retirement, and family. A yoga hike is also a nice, creative outing for corporate groups interested in creative team building experiences or those who like to balance a hectic meetings schedule with an opportunity to unplug and refocus.

All guides hold a minimum 200hr yoga certification and a passion for sharing the story of Asheville and our stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Throughout the experience, please consider your local guide a resource! They love to chat about unique approaches to wellness, our wild natural world, and have allllll the recommendations for what to do around town.

Although we love fur babies & are happy to have leashed dogs and cats join us on private yoga hikes, the sauna is not a suitable experience for them. You’ll be enjoying a very full day exploring the mountain, grabbing lunch, and then alternating between the sauna and cold plunge, so we recommend leaving your furry friend at home.

Full group cancellations more than 14 days prior to your scheduled experience are refundable minus your $200 non-refundable deposit or a $10/person admin fee (whichever is higher), or you may choose a store credit for 100% of your purchase price. Out of respect for your guides’ time, full group cancellations between 7-0 days prior to your experience are non-refundable and no store credits will be issued within that window.

Group size decreases will be accepted up to 7 days prior to your scheduled experience. You’re eligible for a refund minus a $10/person admin fee as long as minimum group size thresholds are met. Group size decreases between 6-0 days prior to your scheduled experience are non-refundable and no store credits will be issued within that window.

NOTE: out of respect for your guides’ time, the hike & sauna + cold plunge experiences will begin NO LATER than 10mins after start time. Parties who are 10+ mins late may experience a shorter yoga session or less time in the sauna/cold plunge to compensate for the late start

Health Considerations:

If you feel ill, are experiencing Covid-related symptoms, or have been in contact with a person with a confirmed case of Covid 19 in the past week, please stay home and let us know as soon as possible. Our stated cancellation policy will still apply. If you are concerned about the risks of last minute cancellation, please consider taking out travel insurance.

These minimums and policies ensure all experience providers, admin team members, guides, and instructors are paid a living wage for their work. Thank you for your understanding as we strive to remain as flexible as possible!

If Asheville Wellness Tours cancels for any reason, we will either reschedule you or refund your purchase in full.

Tips are never obligatory but are always appreciated. If you feel you had a wonderful experience, the average amount shared is $5-20/person.

Another way to show your appreciation is to share a review of your experience online and give your hardworking guide a shout-out. Your kind words mean more than you know! You can find us on TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Yelp